August 18-24, 2016
Written August 18+
Dear Diary, Friends, and Families,Written August 18+
Most
of this diary is about a family visit, but before we get there, we need
a record of one more street party. This was a going away fest for
Daniella, who was heading off to the University of California at
Berkley after years of growing up on Cambridge Avenue. We wish
her all the luck in the world. (It turned out to be Kent's
birthday as well, so we needed to have twice
the food and drink of our normal gatherings. We managed.)
A family visit. Yeah! Geoff, Suzanne, Ryan, and Sean made the long trip from Maryland and I do mean long. Their Virgin America flight, routed from Washington to Dallas to LA, got hung up a bit in the middle stop, making it a very long flight. Then, after a short overnight in LA, they enjoyed a four-hour drive up through the central valley.
After all that, the four folded out of the red rental car at our house, eager to stop traveling.
Our
first event was a birthday party for Sean. His real 4th birthday
was just a couple of days ago, so we took advantage of the visit to
celebrate with cupcakes and presents. He didn't object about the
slight delay. Nor did big brother.
On Friday, our first planned event was a baseball game at 7pm, so the day was spent resting and (pretty) quietly playing.
When
it came time to cheer for the Fresno Grizzlies, we joined neighbors and
headed to Suite #25, courtesy of neighbor Steve and his
equipment-supply business. The luxury box was indeed a real
treat, with both open and air conditioned seating. A good time was had
by all, but I must admit that everyone faded before the game
ended. Geoff and family had a jet lag excuse, but the rest
of us just claimed old age, I think.
On
Saturday we went to one of our own favorites: Cat Haven. The cats
were entertaining and I think the kids liked them. I know they
liked the snow cone at the end.
Sunday
brought us to Storyland-Playland, our first visit to this recently
reopened little attraction. The Storyland part started with a
magic show, maybe not awe-inspiring, but good for the audience.
From there, we wandered past the children's characters, into a castle
and onto rides pretty much perfect for four-year-old Sean. Every
once in awhile, we even caught his older brother having fun.
The
other part of the park, Playland, had rides that Sean chose to avoid,
giving Oma and Opa a chance to rest. The rest of the crew went
off to test a few rides. Not sure there are Disneyland-quality or
size attractions, but ok for a neighborhood attraction. We will
be back with other grandkids.Later, the visitors struck out on their own and found Discovery Gardens. They came back with good reviews, so it's another Fresno attraction we need to add to our grandkid list.
Monday's
single known goal was Skywalk, a trampoline and climbing space. We had
visited a couple of years ago with Ava and Sam and a scouting visit
last week indicated that it is now even better equipped and, we hope,
more fun.
Starting out, Ryan was eager to start, but Sean was a bit worried.
Inside the play area Ryan did indeed jump right in, but Sean took only a few minutes to get comfortable with all the trampolines. Dad also got into the action right away. An hour of this activity made me tired and all I was doing was taking pictures.
We all worked up an appetite too, so we headed over to IHOP to join Marianne and Mamo for lunch. Never can have too many carbs! (This whole visit, like any other visit we have hosted, has not been good for diet or exercise, but the splurges don't happen very often.)
Afternoon was quiet as the family started organizing for the next day's departure. Part of the preparation was a dinner out for Geoff and Suzanne, so Oma and Opa needed to make mac and cheese back home. Somehow, all kids like mac and cheese, but I'll admit making it did not entice me. To each his own. In any event, it was fun having the two boys to ourselves and we may have communicated more in these couple of hours than in most of the stay. Interesting.
On Tuesday morning, it was an early departure to near LAX Airport - and near the beach. Reports are that the beach turned out well, as one should expect.
Now the team is flying back to jobs this week and schools next week. Meanwhile, Oma and Opa return to our quiet routine, a routine that can be interrupted anytime!
John and Marianne